As part of the support from the IAEA, under the technical cooperation programme, 35 Chinese and 11 international experts took part in a six-week virtual expert mission earlier this year to provide input, guidance and recommendations to support plans for the in-situ laboratory.
“The construction of an underground research laboratory is an opportunity for advancement in the science and engineering of geological disposal facilities and an essential component in a sustainable energy future for countries,” said Stefan Joerg Mayer, Head of the Disposal Team at the IAEA. “Despite the constraints of the pandemic, we were able to design, organize and lead an innovative virtual mission to provide expert assistance to China in the construction of this new R&D facility.”
The virtual mission took place from 25 February to 9 April. In a series of 14 online, interactive meetings, the experts reviewed and assessed the plans for the construction of the underground research laboratory. They also reviewed the preparations being made for the development of a safety case for the disposal facility as well as for stakeholder engagement.
“BRUIG requested the IAEA to provide support on characterisation of the rock mass, as well as scientific research, prior to the construction of the URL.,” said Petra Salame, IAEA Program Management Officer. “Through this innovative way of organizing the expert mission, we were able to bring together a team of senior experts who addressed a broad range of topics that were proposed by our Chinese counterparts.”
“We discussed in-depth the interdependencies between the different thematic topics, from repository designs to radioactive waste management and their corresponding requirements on the properties of the site currently investigated,” said Piet Zuidema, an international expert from Switzerland participating in the review.
The broad range of areas covered resulted in recommendations related to construction, but also guidance related to the implementation of its laboratory R&D plans during the construction phase.
“This virtual Expert Mission was very timely as construction of the underground laboratory began this summer and it provided critical support to this effort,” said Chen. “It has made a great contribution in promoting the sustainable development of China's nuclear industry.”
